A to Z of health and safety

Browse the options below for information on specific hazards and where to get help if you need it.

Administration of Medicines to Visiting Children or Young People

As part of its work with the wider community and engagement with schools and colleges, there are occasions where children / young adults (under the age of 18) may be brought onto campus for day visits or to attend residential summer schools. Some of these children / young adults may have medical conditions that, if not managed, could impact their ongoing comfort and wellbeing and/or have life threatening risks. To enable them to have equal access to the University, staff may need to support them by administering medication.

Click here for more information.

Airbourne Infections

For information on the management of airbourne infections including Covid-19 or to request a review of office / teaching space ventilation please see the information avaiable here.

Asbestos

The hazardous nature of asbestos and asbestos products are well known, and it is the University's aim that no one is put at risk from this hazard in their university environment. More details on the University’s approach to the management of asbestos can be found here.

Asphyxiating, Atmospheres from Cryogenics and Compressed Gas Cylinders

Inert compresssed gases, such as argon, and cryogenics such as liquid nitrogen, are used in a number of areas on campus including laboratories and workshops. If their use is not managed effectively, they can cause oxygen displacement due to leaks and spillages. If detection is not provided to give early warning to occupants, the resulting asphyxiating atmosphere can lead to unconsciousness or even death. This page provides you with guidance on what you need to do when working with these substaces in order to manage the risk presented by developing asphyxiating atmospheres.

Audit and Inspection

Audits and inspections are an essential part of the University's safety management system and provide assurance that our control measures to protect staff, students, and visitors are suitable and sufficient.

Audits are an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Health and Safety management system and are intended to be supportive and proactive by identifying good practices and highlighting opportunities for improvement. Audits are usually conducted independently of the area being assessed.

Inspections are one of the primary methods of directly identifying and eliminating actual and potential hazards. Inspections are conducted more frequently than audits and are usually conducted internally by the department or team.

To find more information on Health and Safety audits and inspections, click here.

Biological Safety (including Genetically Modified Organisms and Human or Animal Tissue)

Biological safety refers to the use of safe practices, specialist equipment, and dedicated buildings to ensure that people, animals and the environment are protected from accidental exposure or unintended release of hazardous biological materials.

Examples of hazardous biological materials include:

infectious agents (i.e.viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, prions, rickettsia, etc)
genetically modified organisms, including transgenic plants, animals, or vectors
bioactive compounds including allergens, proteins, toxins, etc.
human or non-human animal derived materials including blood, tissues, body fluids, and cells
harmful flora and fauna (i.e.toxic or poisonous plants, venomous animals, etc)

Before beginning work with any hazardous biological materials users should ensure they are aware of and comply with the University’s HS P600 Biological Safety Policy.

Further information on specific biological hazards can be found here.

Chemical Safety and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require the University to manage the health risks presented by substances that staff and students may use as part of their work, studies and research. This involves carrying out a risk assessment, putting control measures in place to eliminate or reduce exposure to hazardous substances, monitoring the effectiveness of controls, planning for forseeable emergency situations such as spillages and ensuring relevant people are trained.

This section provides you with guidance on how to manage COSHH in relation to chemicals you may use or be exposed to on campus such as paints, solvents, acids, cleaning chemicals, wood dusts and others. Check out the Biological Safety section for information related to biological COSHH management.

Children and Young Adults

The University can offer an exciting opportunity for work experience students, and this section provides an overview of the health and safety considerations needed to ensure the safe planning and running of a work experience placement.

Confined Spaces

Any work activities involving entry into substantially enclosed places, where inadequate ventilation could result in certain hazardous situations arising, are subject to the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Additional information can be found here.

Construction and Contractors

The University is responsible for securing and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for those working as contractors within any University premises. The University’s duty is to have a system in place to manage the risks associated with the work of contractors and this system is set out in the Management of Contractors policy.

Additional information can be found here.

Controlled and Scheduled Drugs

A Controlled Drug (CD) is any drug, therapeutic agent or chemical which is held under strict control as specified in law. They are usually substances with potential for abuse or addiction. If you are a researcher with a research need to order,, work with or synthesis a relevant chemical (or are unsure if a reagent is controlled) please refer to our advice available here.

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require the University to manage the risks of fire, explosion, thermal runaway and corrosion to metal presented by dangerous substances that may be used as part of your work, studies or research. These substances can include solvent based products such as varnish, compressed gases and substances that can produce dust when processed such as wood and metal.

This section provides you with guidance on how to effectively manage the risks presented by the dangerous substances you use by carrying out a risk assessment, identifying and implementing control and mitigation measures, planning for forseeable emergency situations such as spillages and training people who are involved in the work activity or affected by it and identifying potenitally explosive atmospheres.

Decontamination (Equipment and Work Area)

Information on how to decontaminate and dispose of equipment is available here.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) refers to alphanumeric or graphic display screens, including devices like computers, laptops, and tablets. Regulations apply to those who use DSE daily for an hour or more. To find more information on DSE please click here.

Driving at Work

Driving is, in many cases, one of the most hazardous activities you will undertake whilst at work, so it is essential that suitable systems are in place to ensure you are safe whilst driving for work. Further information can be found here.

Drones and Autonomous Vehicles

Any individual wishing to operate a drone or other unmanned flying vehicle on campus must follow the requirements provided here.

Electrical Safety

This information on electrical safety provides guidance on implementing the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and on safe working practices in general.

Event Safety and Bookings

For information on event safety and procedures please click here. The guidance covers what events need approval and the process by which they are booked and approved and guidance on the risk associated with events.

Extreme Weather Plans for Campus

As a response to extreme weather the University puts in place a number of measures to protect staff. More information can be found here.

Eye Test and Vouchers

Eye health is very important and regular eye tests are recommended for all.

Find out how to request a free eye test here.

Fire Safety

The University have a Fire Safety team who deliver Fire Risk Assessments and provide advice when required. They also manage the annual building evacuations and develop Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for University staff and students..

Additional information on the University Fire Safety Policy, Campus Assembly Points, How to Get a Fire Alarm Pager (for deaf or hard of hearing individuals) and Weekly Fire Alarm Bell Testing Regimes can be found here.

First Aid

The definition of First Aid is "providing help for the purpose of preserving life and minimising the consequences of injury or illness until such time as professional medical support can be obtained" and "treating minor injuries which would not otherwise receive any treatment or which do not warrant treatment by a medical professional (Doctor, Nurse, Paramedic)."

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require the University, as an employer, to ensure appropriate First Aid arrangements are made for our workplace, including equipment, facilities and personnel. Find further information on First Aid provision here.

Food Allergies

Information and guidance on how to support staff and students with a food allergy can be found here.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste can pose a substantial or potential threat to human health and/or the environment. The University has a duty of care for the safe management of waste e.g. production, storage, disposal etc. Examples of hazardous waste can include some chemicals, batteries, pesticides, car oil and items containing ozone depleting substances such as fridges. This section provides more information on the University's policy on the disposal of hazardous waste.

Induction

More information regarding health and safety induction can be found here.

Insurance Engineering Inspection Process

Engineering inspections are a vital part of our risk management approach to keep machinery and equipment in full working order, so that it is safe to use and to allow critical work, research and general activity to continue throughout campus. This section provides an overview of where engineering inspections are required, responsibilites for those invovled, and the process in place.

Legionella Control and Water Risk Assessments

Click here for information on the Legionella Safety Management Procedure.

Machinery and Workshops

Click here for safety information regarding machinery and workshops.

Management of Health and Safety (Guidance for Managers)

A range of tools and information are provided for Line Managers here on how to fulfill their legal and ethical health and safety obligations to people under their supervision.

Manual Handling

Manual Handling is one of the most common causes of absence through injury within the workplace.

The information here will help reduce the risk of manual handling injuries and promote good practice in all lifting, handling, carrying, pushing and pulling operations.

New and Expectant Mothers

Information on Health and Safety guidance regarding new and expectant mothers working at the University, can be found here. The information covers guidance for the new or expectant mother and their Line Manager and covers a selection of additional risks that the new or expectant mother may be affected by.

Noise

Being exposed to loud noises or high sound levels can damage an individual’s hearing. Damage can be caused in two ways.

Short duration of very loud noise or sound
Repeated exposure to elevated noise or sound

The damage is caused by the sound waves over-exciting the detecting fibres in the cochlea, and can be irreversible. As listening to sound or being exposed to noise is a common feature of modern life, individuals are advised to not ignore elevated sound levels to best preserve their hearing throughout their working life.

Click here for more information.

Occupational Health

The Occupational Health (OH) service offers advice on health, safety and wellbeing at work to prevent work related ill health, reduce risks to health from occupational hazards and to promote good workplace health and safety. Occupational Health are able to provide a wide range of support and services. Find out more on the Occupational Health HR web pages.

Permit to Work System

A range of contractors come to site to complete a whole range of tasks from routine servicing of office equipment such as printers through to contractors engaged in complex and high hazard activities such as access to confined spaces to complete inspections or repairs. Click here for more information.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to specialised clothing, gear, or equipment worn to minimise exposure to workplace hazards that can cause serious injuries or illnesses. Examples of PPE include gloves, safety glasses, shoes, earplugs, hard hats, respirators, and coveralls. To find more information on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and how to request Prescription Safety Spectacles, click here

Personal Safety and Lone Working

A lone worker is anyone who works by themselves without close or direct supervision or regular contact with other employees. Lone working may increase your vulnerability by escalating the likelihood that something might happen and the consequences presented by workplace hazards, including the risk of violence and aggression in the workplace.

Please refer to the Personal Safety and Lone Working webpages for further information.

Pressure Systems

Pressure systems are present in many different pieces of work equipment, from barista coffee machines to self built research equipment.

The Pressure Systems Safety Regualtions 2000 require the University to manage the risk presented by the potential release of stored energy as a result of failure of a pressure system or any one of its component parts. This section provides you with guidance on how to find out if your work equipment is classfied as a pressure system and what you need to do if it is, for example, by arranging a review, compiling a written scheme of examination and implementing a programme of regular testing, inspection and certification by a competent person.

Radiation (Ionising, Non-Ionising, Lasers and Electromagnetic Fields)

For information on working with Ionising Radiation including;

Unsealed Sources of Ionising Radiation
Sealed Source of Radiation
X-ray Equipment and X-ray Generators
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM)
Radon

See the Ionising Radiation web page.

For information on working with Artificial Optical Radiation including:

Lasers
Broad Beam Optical Sources
Ultra Violet

See the Artificial Optical Radiation guidance

Radon

The ��ɫ is undertaking Radon monitoring in several buildings around campus. This is part of due diligence activity to ensure suitable measures are in place to protect public health.

Additional information and answers to frequently asked questions is available here.

Risk Assessments

When manging health and safety of your work activity, you must control the risks associated with them. To do this, you need to think about what might cause harm to people and decide whether you are taking reasonable steps to prevent that harm. This process is called risk assessment and it is a legal requirement.

The requirement for risk assessment applies to everyone carrying out work activities for the ��ɫ. This covers work activities carried out by employees, postgraduate research students carrying out research work, visiting academics, contractors working directly for the University and volunteers. Students carrying out work activities in addition to their studies or research are considered to be employees when carrying out these activities. Work activities include work activities both on and off campus.

Risk assessments should consider workers and anyone else who might be affected by the University's work activities. This could include staff, students, members of the public, 3^rd parties such as SEF and Chartwells, contractors and anyone else who might be affected by your work.

Guidance and more information on carrying out risk assessments can be found here.

Transport

All vehicles, including but not limited to, cars, vans, motorcycles, bicycles, must be driven with great care on the University estate.

The University Security Team monitor the campus via CCTV, and alongside our Transport Team, carry out regular patrols, however you need to consider your safety whilst traveling to, from and around campus. Our transport safety page provides tips on how you can be prepared for transport safety.

You can access the SEF Transport webpages here.

Transport of Dangerous Goods

Dangerous Goods are substances and materials which pose a risk to people, animals or the environment if not properly handled during transport. They range from those which present obvious risks, such as flammables and explosives, through to less obvious, but more frequently encountered items, such as paints or battery-operated tools and equipment.

Click here to find more information on Dangerous Goods and how to safely transport them.

Travel on University Business and Off-Site Working

This page contains information on how to approach a range of staff and student travel scenarios including guidance for specific work, template forms and a list of what is considered a hazardous activity.

This applies to research, work and teaching undertaken for the ��ɫ and not an individual’s annual leave or holiday time.

Other Divisions Requirements

Links to required processes relating to ethics approval, expenses and insurance are provided below.

Ethics Approvals

Research projects that are submitted for ethics review and require international travel will be asked to submit an Overseas Travel Safety and Security Risk Assessment (OTSSRA) form as part of the ethics application. This is to ensure that safety concerns have been addressed during the planning stage. The OTSSRA form for travel to higher risk areas will still need to be approved by the Head of School. Links to the OTSSRA form can be found here.

Applications undertaking hazardous activities (see below) should also submit a risk assessment.

Insurance

Prior to travel, it is imperative that you review the University's travel insurance information. It is best practice to do so as early as possible to ensure that there is time prior to the trip to secure insurance. Travel should not be undertaken without University insurance in place.

Finance

Details on finance and expenses can be found here.

Ventilation: Room and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

Ventilation is important in providing a comfortable, safe and healthy environment in which to work. This section provides you with guidance on how to ensure ventilation in your work area is suitable for a range of activities from natural and mechanical general ventilation in offices, to the provision of specialist Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems such as fume cupboards and fume hoods in laboratories and workshops.

Waste Water (Trade Effluent)

Trade effluent is any liquid waste (waste water), other than surface water and domestic sewage that is discharged from University premises. Pouring contaminated waste water down sinks and drains can result in damage to pipework and fittings, unexpected and dangerous reactions, as well as cause harm to the environment and water treatment facilities. Contaminated liquid waste should never be discharged to the mains sewer without permission. If you are in any doubt whether a waste water solution can be put down the sink, seek advice before proceeding.

Click here for more information.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Information on staff wellbeing and mental health support can be found here.

Working at Height

Working at height remains one of the most common causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the UK.

This page outlines the key standards and guidance documents available at the ��ɫ.

Workplace Environment

To find more information on maintaining workplace environment requirements and guidance on how to maintain this environment, please click here. The guidance contained within is for general workplaces and some work areas may require additional controls such as laboratories / workshops.